Waterproof Cases for Non-WP Camera

Post by **Apalach** » August 4th, 2006, 10:51 pm

Since I had recently reviewed the Pentax WP10 waterproof camera, I thought it might be appropriate to review some of the inexpensive waterproof cases for your non-waterproof digicams. Two that I really like are the venerable Pelican series of cases that will fit almost any size of camera. Now, you can't shoot underwater, or even above water, pics with these cameras enclosed in these cases, but they are great for transporting your camera on board, and then being able to get them out quickly for a pic as needed. I used to carry my Pelican case containing my Sony DSC-T1 attached to my ice chest with a leash until a photo-op presented itself.

Here is the Pelican 1010 case and my Sony DSC-T1 camera-a good combo for the yak fisher, unless you have the waterproof Pentax that needs no external case. I have been using this Sony camera for everything for the past 2 years, including yak-fishing, car-tripping, and my daughter's wedding. As I recall, it was only about $12.95 or so.

However, I just discovered a brand new waterproof, O-ring sealed case that is carried by Boater's World for the princely sum of $4.99. It is perfect for the several new slim-line digicams, such as the Sony DSC-T series.

Here is the slim-line Sony enclosed in the Boater's World case. Although this case is not designed to take a serious beating underwater, it is perfect for carrying your digi in the breast pocket of your T-shirt or fishing shirt-but don't forget to put the camera leash/lanyard around your neck before starting to shoot. This case also comes in several opaque colors such as blue, red, and yellow, in addition to the clear (pictured).

And then you can go with the ultimate--a dedicated UW case made by the manufacturer specifically for each camera, with full controls. I got one of these at a discount when I got my camera, thinking I would be getting back into some serious UW photography again, but so far have not used it. For yak, boat, and wadefishing use, I would stick with one of the el cheapo WP cases since that is all I have really needed.

Post by **RodBow** » August 5th, 2006, 7:04 am

You're onboard with the answers MacGyver!

Post by **RonHarrison** » August 5th, 2006, 4:16 pm

Awesome information as always, Apalach.

I have a Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-W50.

It is not Waterproof, but does have an add-on waterproof case made specifically for it.

It costs $100, nearly half the cost of the camera itself, so I'm hesitant to run out and get it until I've seen some feedback from someone that has one.

Post by **Apalach** » August 5th, 2006, 6:05 pm

Ron,
I wouldn't bother getting a dedicated case for these cameras. Sony makes one for just about all their cameras, but they cost almost half the price of the camera! I did get one (above), thinking I would be getting back into more UW photography again, but so far I have not used it. Stick with the el cheapo cases for most boating and yak use.

Post by **Charles** » August 5th, 2006, 6:23 pm

You can do like I did, if you're real Scotchy (cheap).

Go to the grocery store and pick up a pack of the waterproof boxes made by Zip-Lock, et. al. They come in different sizes. Also pick up a box of Zip-Lock bags. The Qt. size seems to be the most versatile.

In my waterproof box I carry:
Roll of TP
Extra Pack of Smokes and 2 Disposable Lighters
4 Spare AA Batteries
Cell Phone
Wallet
Digital Camera (when I think to take it)
and a few other small odds and ends from time to time.

Each item gets put in it's own bag, sealed and placed in the box. The box is then packed in my pack or boatbag.

There's a few other things that are regular attendees to my trips: flashlight, compass, whistle, but they're already waterproof or don't care if they get wet, so they don't need to be in the box.

Post by **RonHarrison** » August 6th, 2006, 7:19 pm

Great advice as always. I guess I'll be swining by Boater's World soon! I'll keep my eyes peeled on e-Bay for that case though. I'd love to try it out if I could get it for half price.

Post by **Tom Keels** » August 6th, 2006, 7:38 pm

If you are so inclined the best UW cases you can buy are from ikelite. My underwater pics are taken with an olympus digicam and an ikelite case to fit it. Mind you they are not cheap. An ikelite case for a digicam will run at least as much as the camera to go in it costs. Example $400 camera = $400 ikelite case. But they are tough and good up to 300 fsw.

Post by **Bakertize** » August 7th, 2006, 8:52 am

sure thing, a good case will cost as much as the camera if you want to use all the functions the camera offers. I use a reefmaster DC500 for my pics and video http://www.sealife-cameras.com/cameras/dc500.html I picked up this camera case combo for $500 with some searching and would suggest the 1g memory card for max pic res. and video length